PROFESSIONAL BIO
As a psychiatry doctor, group retreat facilitator, and psychedelic therapy guide, my work integrates Western medicine with traditional healing approaches to offer a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. At The Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, I’ve had the privilege of working as a clinical trial doctor and psychedelic therapist on groundbreaking studies exploring psilocybin-assisted therapy for conditions like anorexia nervosa and fibromyalgia, as well as the potential of DMT for treatment-resistant depression.
Beyond the clinical setting, I facilitate group retreats and lead training and experiential programmes for a range of organisations. Twice a year, I co-host women’s psilocybin retreats that weave together embodiment practices, somatic therapy, trauma release (TRE), nature connection, ritual, and ceremony. My passion for the group modality continues to deepen - not only due to the challenges of accessibility and affordability within psychedelic-assisted therapy, but also because of the relational healing that can occur within a loving, supportive, and co-created group space.
My personal journey with stage IV cancer has influenced my approach to healthcare, teaching me the importance of addressing the whole person - body, mind, heart, and spirit. This led me to co-found Essence Medicine, an organisation offering psycho-spiritual support to individuals navigating life-threatening illness. At Essence Medicine, we advocate for the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a compassionate response to existential anxiety and distress, and a path toward peace and acceptance.
With a background in psychology and medicine, I have also trained in holistic mind-body practices like yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), nutritional medicine, compassionate inquiry and the MAPS MDMA-assisted therapy training. Additionally, my journey has been guided by Earth-based wisdom traditions, deepened through shamanic facilitator training, and an ongoing commitment to learning and embracing diverse ways of knowing.
I'm passionate about guiding individuals toward wholeness and reconnection - with themselves, their communities, and the natural world. Through this journey of self-discovery and healing, we not only reconnect with the profound mystery of life but also uncover our innate capacity for resilience, transformation, and flourishing.
CORE PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
Mind-Body-Heart-Spirit Connection - My work is based on the understanding that the mind, body, emotions, and spirit are interconnected. Stress and emotional tension can manifest as illness, while healing trauma held in the body can help restore balance in the nervous system and psyche.
Trauma-Informed Healing - Trauma is often at the root of many physical and emotional issues. While traditional talk therapy can be helpful in understanding and processing these experiences, it frequently falls short in addressing the full complexity of trauma, particularly the way it is stored in the body. “Trauma-Informed” means that I understand the ways that major and minor traumas (overwhelming incidents in one’s life) take a toll on the psyche and body, and I help people to process and integrate these experiences so that they can live with greater freedom and flexibility.
Innate Healing Wisdom - Each of us holds an innate capacity for healing. By connecting with our inner healing intelligence, we move from survival to thriving, reconnecting with our wholeness and integrating the wisdom of mind, body, heart, and spirit.
Growth Through Adversity - Illness and life’s challenges can serve as catalysts for growth. Through these experiences, we gain new perspectives, deepening self-awareness, compassion, and the capacity to heal. Adversity becomes an opportunity for transformation and alignment with our true selves.
Community and Connection - Healing can be enhanced by connection and support. We thrive when we heal together, sharing our journeys and supporting one another, making community a key aspect of long-term healing and transformation.
Purpose and Meaning - Well-being increases when we live with purpose. Gratitude, service, and meaning are powerful catalysts for well-being. Exploring these can reveal deeper fulfillment and align us with our highest potential.
Nature as Medicine - We are a part of nature, and our well-being is intimately tied to the health of the Earth. Healing comes from restoring balance within ourselves and in our relationship with the environment. By spending time in nature we attune to the rhythms of the natural world and find balance within ourselves.
Human Potential - Within each of us lies the potential for growth, love, and awareness. These qualities are always present, even when they feel distant. With patience, compassion and curiosity, it is possible to move towards healing, self-awareness, transformation and resilience.